Distractions for the move to recognize the independence of the Ukrainian Church
The Russian Orthodox Church will respond "strongly and in the same way" to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, following the latter's decision to recognize the independence of the Ukrainian Church from Moscow.
On Thursday, as reported by APE, Fanari announced that it is granting autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and at the same time restored to normal the schismatic Metropolitan of Kiev Filareto who hopes to become the leader of the new, independent Church. Filaretos was ousted and ousted by the Holy Synod of the Russian Patriarchate in the 1990s, after founding his own Patriarchate.
Alexander Volkov, a spokesman for Patriarch Kirill of Russia, said the Holy Synod of the Russian Church "will express its position" tomorrow, Sunday, when it meets in Minsk. He did not give further details on what measures could be taken.
Arriving in Minsk, Belarus, Patriarch Kirill told reporters: "I hope that the Orthodox Church will find the strength to overcome the hardships; to remain united."